Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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106. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps his Department has taken to ensure the safety of Irish citizens engaged in the Freedom Flotilla heading to Gaza from Tunisia, given the dangers involved (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48868/25]

Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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107. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his engagement with Tunisian authorities in respect of the treatment of Irish citizens participating in the Freedom Flotilla. [48873/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 107 together.

I was deeply concerned by reports of the suspected drone attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla en route to Gaza.

With this in mind, yesterday, alongside 15 other Foreign Ministers, I issued a statement to express my concern about the security of the flotilla. Alongside my counterparts, I called on everyone to refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the Flotilla, and to respect international law and international humanitarian law.

The safety and welfare of those Irish citizens participating in the flotilla is my immediate priority. I am keenly aware that those participating are seeking to highlight the severe and ongoing suffering being experienced in Gaza.

Ireland has consistently called for the immediate resumption of humanitarian access to the people of Gaza, and at scale, including food, water, medical supplies and fuel. This is not only an obligation under international humanitarian law but it is also a moral imperative.

We continue to urge Israel to lift its blockade and allow unimpeded access of humanitarian aid at scale into Gaza, in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.

While my Department’s travel advice has consistently been to strongly advise against all travel to the Gaza Strip and to all border areas between the Gaza Strip and Israel, the provision of consular assistance is a cornerstone of the work of the Department.

Officials at our Embassy in Tel Aviv and my Department continue to monitor developments as the flotilla makes its way to Gaza, and stand ready to provide consular assistance as required.